TREES are being put at risk of suffocation, disease and death by well-meaning green thumbs dumping grass clippings.
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Mayor Karen Williams said people might think they were helping but putting grass clippings around the base of veteran trees could lead to their demise.
“Dumping garden waste in natural areas owned by council is not only illegal but can cause serious damage to our trees and native wildlife,” Cr Williams said.
“Redlands already boasts a number of veteran trees for example, one in Redland Bay over 250 years old and another on Coochiemudlo Island over 600 years old, for which heritage listing is being sought.”
Cr Williams said the usefulness of the trees did not diminish with age.
“Tree hollows formed over years and years are invaluable for wildlife providing refuge from the weather and predators, and safe sites for roosting and breeding.”
Cr Williams said trees were part of the attraction of the Redlands.
“… I would encourage residents to consider other ways to dispose of their grass clippings so as not to put our local trees at risk.”
High value mulch material should be a maximum of 100 millimetres from the ground with a gap left between the trunk and mulch to allow air flow.
Grass clippings contain thousands of seeds and cutting that could grow. Most grasses are not native and could become bush invaders, or get washed into storm water drains causing blockages and spreading unwanted weeds.
Council requests residents put grass clippings in a bag prior to disposal in a general waste bin (red lid), or place without a bag into a green waste bin (lime green lid).
Blowing grass clippings onto streets can spread weeds along waterways and is not a legal way of disposal.
